Risk indicators for marginal bone resorption around implants in function for at least 4 years: A retrospective...

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Periodontology
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Marginal bone stability is a critical concern in implant dentistry.
• Understanding factors influencing bone resorption around implants is essential for long-term success.
• This study investigates risk indicators for marginal bone resorption in implants with over 4 years of function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify potential risk indicators associated with marginal bone resorption around dental implants.
• To analyze the influence of systemic, intraoral, and implant-related factors on bone loss.
• To provide insights for improving long-term implant outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective longitudinal study design.
• Analysis of marginal bone level change (MBLC) from radiographs taken at baseline and follow-up.
• Hierarchical regression analysis using linear mixed-effects models to assess risk factors.

Main Results:

• 514 patients and 1535 implants were analyzed; mean annual MBLC was 0.048 mm.
• Significant risk indicators for MBLC included: longer functional time, poor plaque control (>20%), Eichner index C1-3, maxillary location, cement-retained superstructure, and narrow keratinized mucosa (<2 mm).
• No significant association found between bone resorption and diabetes, smoking, or history of periodontitis.

Conclusions:

• Longer functional time, poor oral hygiene, loss of occlusal support, maxillary location, cement-retained restorations, and insufficient keratinized mucosa are risk indicators for bone resorption.
• These findings highlight modifiable and non-modifiable factors influencing peri-implant bone stability.
• Clinical management should focus on these identified risk factors to minimize marginal bone loss.